Barcode Generator
Generate standard 1D barcodes in Code128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code39, and ITF formats. Download as SVG or PNG.
About Barcode Types
Barcodes are machine-readable representations of data using patterns of parallel bars and spaces. Different barcode formats (symbologies) are designed for different data types and use cases. This generator creates barcodes entirely in your browser as SVG, with PNG download also available.
Supported barcode types
- Code 128 — The most versatile 1D barcode. Encodes all 128 ASCII characters including letters, numbers, punctuation, and special characters. Used in shipping labels (UPS, FedEx, Royal Mail), manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Recommended for most use cases.
- Code 39 — An older, simpler barcode supporting uppercase letters A–Z, digits 0–9, and a few symbols. Still widely used in automotive, defence, and government applications. Self-checking, no check digit required.
- EAN-13 — The standard retail barcode used on most consumer products in Europe and internationally. 13 digits, with the first digits indicating the country of origin and the manufacturer. Requires exactly 12 digits as input; the 13th (check digit) is calculated automatically.
- UPC-A — The North American equivalent of EAN-13. 12 digits, widely used on products sold in the USA and Canada. Requires 11 digits; check digit is calculated.
- ITF-14 — Interleaved 2 of 5. Used on shipping cartons and outer packaging. Encodes an even number of digits. Often the same data as an EAN/UPC barcode but printed on corrugated packaging.
SVG vs PNG
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is resolution-independent and ideal for print — it can be scaled to any size without quality loss. PNG is a raster format suitable for web use and screen display. For professional printing, always use SVG or request a high-resolution PNG (scale factor 3–4x).
Frequently asked questions
Which barcode format should I use?
Code128 is the most flexible — it encodes any ASCII text and is widely supported. EAN-13 and UPC-A are for retail product labels and require numeric-only input in a fixed length. Code39 is older and commonly used in industrial and automotive applications.
What is the difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?
UPC-A has 12 digits and is primarily used in North America. EAN-13 has 13 digits and is the international standard (EAN-13 is a superset of UPC-A). Both include a check digit that is calculated automatically.